Moral Objectivism vs. Moral Realism

Attribute	Moral Objectivism	Moral Realism
Definition	Belief that moral truths exist independently of human opinion or belief	Belief that moral facts are objective and independent of human opinion or belief
Existence of Moral Truths	Believes in the existence of objective moral truths	Believes in the existence of objective moral truths
Source of Moral Truths	May vary depending on the specific theory (e.g. divine command, natural law)	May vary depending on the specific theory (e.g. divine command, natural law)
Universal Application	Believes moral truths apply universally to all individuals and cultures	Believes moral truths apply universally to all individuals and cultures
Objective Basis	Believes moral judgments are based on objective criteria	Believes moral judgments are based on objective criteria

Moral Objectivism

Moral objectivism is the belief that there are moral facts that exist independently of human opinion or belief. This means that certain actions are objectively right or wrong, regardless of what individuals or societies may think. Proponents of moral objectivism argue that there are universal moral principles that apply to all people, regardless of cultural differences or personal preferences. This view holds that moral truths are objective and can be discovered through reason and observation.

One of the key attributes of moral objectivism is its commitment to the idea of moral absolutes. This means that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the circumstances or consequences. For example, killing an innocent person is considered morally wrong in all situations, according to moral objectivism. This absolutist approach to morality provides a clear and consistent framework for making ethical decisions.

Another important aspect of moral objectivism is its emphasis on moral realism. Moral realists believe that moral facts are objective and independent of human beliefs or attitudes. This means that moral truths exist in the world, just like scientific or mathematical truths. Moral objectivism asserts that there are objective moral standards that apply universally, regardless of individual opinions or cultural norms.

Moral Realism

Moral realism is a broader philosophical position that encompasses moral objectivism. While moral objectivism specifically focuses on the existence of objective moral facts, moral realism is a more general belief in the objectivity of morality. Moral realists argue that moral truths exist independently of human beliefs and can be discovered through reason and observation.

One of the key attributes of moral realism is its rejection of moral relativism. Moral relativism is the belief that moral truths are relative to individual beliefs or cultural norms. In contrast, moral realism holds that there are objective moral standards that apply universally, regardless of personal opinions or societal conventions. This view provides a foundation for moral objectivism, which asserts the existence of objective moral facts.

Another important aspect of moral realism is its commitment to the idea of moral objectivity. Moral objectivity is the belief that moral truths are objective and can be discovered through rational inquiry. This means that moral facts exist independently of human opinions or beliefs, and can be known through reason and observation. Moral realism provides a framework for understanding the nature of morality and the possibility of objective moral truths.

Comparison

• Moral objectivism specifically focuses on the existence of objective moral facts, while moral realism is a broader philosophical position that encompasses moral objectivism.
• Both moral objectivism and moral realism reject moral relativism, the belief that moral truths are relative to individual beliefs or cultural norms.
• Moral objectivism emphasizes moral absolutes, while moral realism provides a foundation for understanding the objectivity of morality.
• Both moral objectivism and moral realism assert that moral truths exist independently of human beliefs and can be discovered through reason and observation.
• Moral objectivism and moral realism both provide frameworks for making ethical decisions based on objective moral standards.

In conclusion, moral objectivism and moral realism share many similarities in their commitment to the objectivity of morality and the existence of objective moral facts. While moral objectivism specifically focuses on the existence of moral absolutes, moral realism provides a broader philosophical framework for understanding the nature of morality. Both perspectives reject moral relativism and emphasize the importance of rational inquiry in discovering objective moral truths. Ultimately, moral objectivism and moral realism offer valuable insights into the nature of morality and provide a foundation for making ethical decisions based on universal moral principles.